River Ecology Trip to the Buffalo

[limestonesteve]

Hello! I am new to this forum. We are taking a group (10) of college students to the Buffalo River for five days beginning May 22nd. (We have been taking groups to the Current River since 1989.) These students are beginners. Any suggestions on which areas of the river to float? Any must-see attractions on the river? Several of us like to fish. Our rivers in SW Kansas have been dry for many years. Any suggestions on what fishing equipment to bring and lures/bait to use? Thanks

[Phil Lilley]

I'd float starting at Ponca- no question. As far as scenery, it's awesome. But with the rains, running this part of the river can be tricky, esp with novice canoeist.

[Danoinark]

I agree with Phil, definately put in at Ponca. With a five day trip you are going to see much of the river, so there will be an abundance of scenery. As to the fishing, crawdad patterns and wooley boogers for fly fishing. Someone else will have to jump in here with conventional tackle recommendations. But I would say anything that works on most smallie streams will be fine on the Buffalo.

Dano

[WebFreeman]

I'd float starting at Ponca- no question. As far as scenery, it's awesome. But with the rains, running this part of the river can be tricky, esp with novice canoeist.

I agree w/ Phil. And I get the Trail Illustrated map. It will show you areas of interest and trails to things like Hemmed In Hollow, which is an easy hike from the river. I've done it in sandals (I think it's about a mile). I hiked from Pruitt to Steal Creek and then floated back to Pruitt. It was a great trip. I got my map at the bike shop in Harrison, but I'm sure you can get it a lot of places.